On Wednesday, 27 June, the European Commission (the European Union’s Executive body) decided to continue its proceedings against the restrictive gambling regimes of Sweden and France. It was also decided to send a formal inquiry to Greece.

The decisions are part of the Commission’s campaign to challenge the state restrictions on gambling. The Commission seems unhindered by the views of both the European Parliament and Member States, who both rejected the idea of a European gambling market.

As the Commission has no power to enforce its believes, it relies on possible decisions of the European Court of Justice on this matter.

The European Court of Justice has been consistent in its approach towards gambling restrictions. Restrictive regimes or monopolies are justified but have to be proportionate to the goals they aim to achieve, like consumer protection, public order and fight against money laundering.